In the De rerum natura, at 2.7-8, Lucretius references ‘holding serene temples’ (tenere..templa serena). Scholars have previously suggested that this refers to holding onto symbolic temples of philosophy. That is to say, scholars have assumed that Lucretius hereby encourages us to live philosophical lives. Dr. Eckerman argues that ‘holding serene temples’ refers to keeping peaceful minds (i.e. practicing ataraxia). While the proem has regularly been read as a non-Epicurean ‘purple passage,’ Dr. Eckerman poses that Lucretius develops mainstream Epicurean doctrine. This talk is a contribution toward studies of the peacefulness and calm-mindedness that Epicureanism advocates.